Amateur Radio License Information
An amateur radio license, issued by a national telecommunications authority (such as the FCC in the U.S.), allows individuals to legally operate amateur (or “ham”) radio equipment and communicate over designated radio frequencies. In the U.S., there are three license classes: Technician (entry-level), General (mid-level), and Amateur Extra (advanced), each granting increasing privileges on different bands and modes. To obtain a license, individuals must pass a multiple-choice exam covering radio theory, operating practices, and regulations. No Morse code test is required. Licenses are typically valid for ten years and can be renewed without retesting.
How to study for an amateur radio license exam
There are many great resources available to study for your amateur radio license examinations. Which one you choose ultimately depends on your preferred way of learning. There are online resources such as HamStudy.org and HamRadioPrep.com, paper books from the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) and even in-person and virtual classes. If you would like to discuss your options, feel free to contact Wayne KØWLO, our Volunteer Examiner Coordinator, via our Amateur Radio Exam Inquiry Form.
Where to take your amateur radio exam
The Mississippi Valley Amateur Radio Association (MVARA) offers monthly testing sessions on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6PM, at the Onalaska WI American Legion, 731 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska WI 54650.
- PRE-REGISTRATION is REQUIRED by the preceding Friday. This is to ensure we have a complete testing team of official Volunteer Examiners ready for you. Use our Pre-Registration Form to register for an exam session.
- You will need to bring a completed Form 605 to the testing session.
- In order to fully complete Form 605, you must obtain a FRN (FCC Registration Number). The FRN can be obtained following these directions from the ARRL.
- The Fee for a testing session are $15 for adults, or $5 for youth, up to the age of 18. The fee allows for one attempt at each of the three exam elements.
- If you pass the exam, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) charges $35 for an Amateur Radio License. However, all youth will receive their initial license at no cost courtesy of the ARRL youth grant program.
Have questions?
Please feel free to contact Wayne KØWLO, our Volunteer Examiner Coordinator, via the Exam Inquiry Form, who will be happy to answer any questions that you have.
Thank you for your interest in becoming an Amateur Radio operator, or upgrading your existing license!
73 from MVARA